Inflatable solar energy collector

ABSTRACT

The inflatable solar energy collector includes an inflatable cell supported in a frame. The frame may be adjustable to maximize the angle of exposure for the inflatable cell. Each inflatable cell includes an outer, transparent bladder and an inner, blackened bladder. A central partition runs through both inner and outer bladders to be mounted to the frame. The central partition maintains the inflatable cell taut on the frame. Both bladders include at least one vent hole, and at least the inner bladder has openings for air inlet and air outlet to define and control flow of medium therein. When inflated, the medium inside the inner bladder heats up from solar energy, and the heated medium is passed on for use. The inflated outer bladder provides insulation for the inner bladder. A plurality of inflatable solar energy collectors may be arranged in an array.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/282,202, filed Dec. 29, 2009.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to energy producing devices, and more specifically to an inflatable solar energy collector providing a cost-effective solution for an alternative energy resource.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Worldwide energy consumption is a major environmental and economic concern in today's climate. Much of the available energy is derived from finite resources such as fossil fuels that produce tons of harmful wastes in the process. These wastes contribute to pollution and increased greenhouse effects. Nuclear power is another source, but the process produces radioactive wastes that can linger for thousands of years. Moreover, disposal of such wastes poses great environmental risks to the area of the waste site.

Solar, wind and wave energy are some alternative sources that have not been fully employed due to economic costs, location or other concerns. With respect to solar power, the typical solar cells tend to be relatively inefficient and expensive for most homes and businesses. In light of the above, it would be a benefit in the art to provide an alternative, cost effective energy source with minimal environmental impact.

Thus, an inflatable solar energy collector solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inflatable solar energy collector includes an inflatable cell supported in a rigid frame. The frame may be adjustable to maximize the angle of exposure for the inflatable cell. Each inflatable cell includes an outer, transparent bladder and an inner, blackened bladder. A central partition runs through both inner and outer bladders to be mounted to the frame. Due to the mounting, the central partition maintains the inflatable cell taut on the frame. Both bladders include at least one vent hole, and at least the inner bladder has openings for air inlet and air outlet to define and control flow of medium therein. When inflated, the medium inside the inner bladder heats up from solar energy, and the heated medium is passed on for use. The inflated outer bladder provides insulation for the inner bladder. A plurality of inflatable solar energy collectors may be arranged in an array.

These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of an array of inflatable solar energy collectors according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the inflatable solar energy collector according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the inflatable solar energy collector according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the inflatable solar energy collector according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the inflatable solar energy collector according to the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a section view taken along lines 6A-6A of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6B is a section view similar to FIG. 6A showing an alternative configuration of the inner and outer bladders in an inflatable solar energy collector according to the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a section view taken along lines 7A-7A of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7B is a section view similar to FIG. 7A, showing an alternative configuration for the inner and outer bladders in an inflatable solar energy collector according to the present invention.

FIG. 7C is a section view similar to FIG. 7A, showing another alternative configuration for the inner and outer bladders in an inflatable solar energy collector according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the thermal energy generating mechanism of the inflatable solar energy collector according to the present invention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to an inflatable solar energy collector, generally referred to by reference number 10, which provides a highly cost effective alternative energy source in comparison to other typical solar cells. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inflatable solar energy collector 10 includes an inflatable cell or solar cell 20 mounted to a frame. The inflatable solar energy collector 10 is adapted to use a medium, such as air, to absorb the sun's energy to produce a heated medium that can be converted for use. Some of the uses include heating air and water inside a home or building, or on an industrial scale, to produce electricity thereby. As best shown in FIG. 1, the inflatable solar energy collector 10 may comprise discrete units arranged into an array for flexible installation and utilization of the collector 10 in a wide range of configurations.

Turning to FIGS. 2-5, the frame for each inflatable solar energy collector 10 includes a pair of spaced, lateral outer side frame members, bars or tubes 13 connected to top and bottom frame members, bars or tubes 14. The frame members 13, 14 define a substantially rectangular frame. Two spaced, inner lateral side frame members, bars or tubes 16 are disposed between the outer side frame members 13 and extend parallel thereto. Both the top and bottom frame members 14 and the inner side frame members 16 include respective attachment members or bars 15, 17. These attachment bars 15, 17 are connected to respective sides of a centrally disposed partition or structural layer 23. The partition 23 defines the frame or shape of the inflatable cell 20, while the attachments 15, 17 maintain the shape by keeping the partition 23 taut therebetween.

Since the inflatable solar energy collector 10 utilizes the sun, it should be installed in such a way as to maximize exposure to the sun. In that regard, the frame for the inflatable solar energy collector 10 may include lower support legs or members 11 and adjustable upper support legs or members 12 pivotally mounted on portions of the top and bottom frame members 14 between the outer and inner side frame members 13, 16. Each of the support members 11, 12 may include articulated, self-adjusting footpads to stably set the inflatable solar energy collector 10 on a given surface. To set the collector 10 at an angle for maximum exposure, the upper support members 12 may be adjusted in the direction indicated by arrow 18, as shown in FIG. 1, as well as pivoted to lock into the desired position. The upper support members 12 may be telescoping and/or pivoted to facilitate the adjustment.

Turning to FIGS. 2-5, the inflatable cell 20 includes a transparent, outer bladder or layer 21 housing an inner, solar energy absorbing inner bladder or layer 22. The portion of the partition 23 separating the outer and inner bladders 21, 22 includes a plurality of vents 24, which serve to assist inflation of the outer bladder 21 and circulate the air therein. The main source of medium or air may be provided through an inlet 25 disposed on the inner bladder 22 and connected to an air source. The outlet 26 disposed on the inner bladder 22 permits circulation inside the inner bladder 22 and/or the outer bladder 21, depending on the configuration.

The placement of the inlet 25, the outlet 26 and the vents 24 has an effect on the inflation efficiency of the outer bladder 21 when directly inflated from the inner bladder 22 via the inlet 25. Preferably, the outlet 26 should be placed near the far opposite end from the inlet 25 so that the incoming medium can disperse in as much area as possible, i.e., maximal distribution. It is noted that it is not necessary to have the outlet 26 aligned with the inlet 25 as long as they span a major length of the inner and outer bladder construction, depending upon the shape. As for the vents 24, in order to ensure proper inflation of the outer bladder 21 from the inner bladder 22, the vents 24 should be disposed close to the outlet 26. It has been found that if the vent 24 is close to the inlet 25, the inner bladder 22 will not inflate properly. For optimum performance, the vent 24 should be placed at least half the distance or more toward the outlet 26.

For maximal heating, the inner bladder 22 is preferably blackened, colored, and/or made with heat absorbing materials to enhance heating the air within the inflatable cell 20. However, the examples shown in FIGS. 6A-7C highlight the fact that the inner bladder may be configured in numerous ways. For example, in a configuration in which the inner bladder 22 is a smaller version of the outer bladder 21, the top half may be transparent (the portion exposed to the sun) while the bottom half is black. As a further alternative, some or the entire bottom portion of the outer bladder 21 may include a reflective surface or lining which reflects the solar rays towards the inner bladder 22 to enhance heat absorption and insulation. Other areas of the inner bladder 22 and outer bladder 21 may also include reflective properties for similar results. In sum, at least half of the inner bladder 22 may be black or dark to obtain the desired heating.

As mentioned above, the inflatable solar energy collector 10 may include a variety of alternative configurations of the inflatable cell 20, as exemplified in FIGS. 6A-7C. Generally, all the embodiments operate in a similar manner in that the inner bladder 22 is inflated first, then the outer bladder 21. Inflation of the outer bladder 21 prior to the inner bladder 22 may hinder proper inflation of the latter. Air circulation is regulated so that the air inside the inner bladder 22 is heated to the desired temperature before flowing through the outlet 26. The following are exemplary of various ways to inflate and circulate the air or medium between the inner and outer bladders.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the partition 23 extends all the way through both the inner and outer bladders 21, 22 so that it bisects both bladders into respective upper and lower chambers. The portion of the partition inside the inner bladder 22 forms an absorption layer 27. As mentioned previously, the upper portion of the inner bladder 22 may be transparent or black. In this exemplary embodiment, the inner bladder 22 may have the air circulated by the inlet and outlet 25, 26 with the vents 28 in the absorption layer 27 permitting communication between the upper and lower chambers. The outer bladder 21 may be separately inflated through a nipple 29.

Referring to FIG. 6B, this embodiment is substantially similar to the example of FIG. 6A except for the baffles or heat exchangers 34. The baffles 34 may be scallop-shaped, and they inflate into the shape while the inner bladder 22 is being charged with air. The scallops 34 provide more surface area for heating the air inside the inner bladder 22, thus increasing the efficiency of the inflatable cell 20. To make sure that airflow is even through the baffles 34, the baffles 34 are varied from smallest to largest, the size increasing from the center out. As an alternative, additional baffles 34 may be disposed on the opposite side of the absorption layer 27.

Referring to FIG. 7A, the inflatable cell 20 is similar to that of FIG. 6A, except for a direct connection of the inlet and outlet 25, 26 to the absorption layer 27. Moreover, there is an unhindered communication between the inlet 25 and the outlet 26. The vent 31 permits airflow indicated by arrow 2 where a portion thereof flows towards the upper portion of the inner bladder 22 to inflate the same while the rest flows through the bottom portion of the inner bladder and vents through outlet 26. Additional vents may be provided in the layer 27 to permit airflow towards the lower chamber of the inner bladder 22.

Referring to FIG. 7B, this is an example of a single source inflating both the inner and outer bladders 22, 21. As shown by the airflow indicated by arrow 3, the outlet 26 includes an additional vent that permits air to flow to the outer bladder 21 once the inner bladder 22 has been inflated. As with FIG. 7A, the inlet 25 provides airflow to both the upper and lower portions of the inner bladder 22, and a vent 30 circulates the airflow from the upper portion towards the outlet 26 and the outer bladder 21.

Referring to FIG. 7C, this is another example of a single source inflating both the inner and outer bladders 22, 21. As shown by arrow 4, the inlet vent 32 and the outlet vent 33 permits air to flow into the inner bladder 22 first before inflating the outer bladder 21. In this embodiment, the inner bladder 22 is not divided into upper and lower chambers. It is located below the absorption layer 27.

Referring to FIG. 8, an exemplary thermal energy circulation system 50 utilizing the heated medium from the inflatable solar collector 10 and processing the same for heating or conversion to usable energy, such as electricity, is shown. Initially, a first control valve 56 is opened to draw the medium or air into the system 50. A pump 54, such as a constant or variable speed pump, forces the air towards the inlet 25, which initiates inflation of the inner bladder 22. During this time, a second control valve 58 may be closed to permit pressure to build inside the system 50. As the inner bladder 22 inflates, the air escapes through the vent 24 adjacent the outlet 26 to inflate the outer bladder 21 until a predetermined pressure has been reached. Then the heated air is circulated through the thermal storage 70 and towards heat exchanger 72, where the heat may be used to heat the interior of a dwelling or be converted into usable energy. A controller 52 regulates the thermal energy circulation system 50 to maintain optimum flow by selective operation of the pump 54 and the first and second control valves 56, 58.

For finer control, the thermal energy circulation system 50 includes at least additional third and fourth control valves 60, 62, at least one bypass valve 64, a plurality of temperature sensors 66 and/or a plurality of pressure sensors 68. The various control valves 56, 58, 60, 62 may be selectively operated to direct airflow in the desired direction in the system 50. The information generated by the temperature and pressure sensors 66, 68 placed along the lines and system components may be used to modify the direction and rate of airflow. This helps to adapt utilization of the heated medium, depending upon current heat production, and to maximize the use thereof. The bypass valve 64 may be used to relieve pressure in the lines when the pressure is above predetermined levels.

The inflatable solar energy collector 10 is an economic device for producing energy. The inflatable bladder 20 is made from durable thermally efficient plastic for ease of manufacture and maintenance. Moreover, the inflatable bladder 20 may be made to be more rigid to utilize fluid medium.

It is to be understood that the inflatable solar collector 10 encompasses a variety of alternatives. For example, the inflatable solar collector 10 may include an additional or second inner bladder enclosed within the inflatable inner bladder 22. This second inner bladder may be formed as an upper bladder, lower bladder or both similar to the first inner bladder 22. With such an arrangement, the second inner bladder may be blackened, colored or made with heat absorptive materials for heating the air replacing the function of the first inner bladder 22 in the previous embodiments. As a result, the first inner bladder may include portion(s) that are clear. In this manner, the space between the two inner bladders provides additional insulation. For increased heat production, both the inlet 25 and outlet 26 may also be blackened, colored or made with heat absorption materials.

Another variation of the second inner bladder involves forming the same into baffles or heat exchangers similar to the baffles mentioned above with respect to FIG. 6B except that the absorption partition would be replaced by the second inner bladder baffles. The baffles may be of the same size or varied. In this arrangement, an airflow distributor may be formed near the opposite openings in the baffles, e.g., via welded discontinuous lines, so as to promote uniform airflow through the baffles. Vents may be disposed at optimum locations within the baffle inner bladder to promote proper inflation thereof.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. 

1. An inflatable solar energy collector, comprising at least one inflatable cell adapted to be mounted to a frame, the inflatable cell having: a transparent outer inflatable bladder; an inner inflatable bladder disposed inside the outer inflatable bladder, at least a portion of the inner inflatable bladder having a solar absorbent surface; an inlet extending through the outer bladder and into the inner bladder, the inlet being adapted for filling the inner bladder with a medium; and an outlet extending from the inner bladder through the outer bladder, the outlet being adapted for discharging the medium outside the cell, the inner bladder having least one vent near the outlet for introducing the medium from the inner bladder to the outer bladder in order to inflate the outer bladder; wherein the medium flowing through the inflatable cell is heated by solar energy to produce usable energy.
 2. The inflatable solar energy collector according to claim 1, further comprising an adjustable frame, said cell being mounted on the frame for supporting said inflatable cell in an optimum position for absorbing the solar energy.
 3. The inflatable solar energy collector according to claim 2, wherein said adjustable frame comprises: a pair of laterally spaced side frame members, a top frame member and a bottom frame member, the frame members each having an attachment bar for holding said inflatable cell taut therebetween; at least one lower support leg pivotally mounted to the bottom frame member; and at least one adjustable upper support leg pivotally mounted to the top frame member, the at least one adjustable upper support leg being extendable to selectively adjust angular orientation of said inflatable cell with respect to the sun.
 4. The inflatable solar energy collector according to claim 3, further comprising an articulated, self-adjusting footpad disposed on said at least one lower support leg and said at least one upper support leg to stabilize said adjustable frame on a surface.
 5. The inflatable solar energy collector according to claim 2, wherein said at least one inflatable cell comprises a plurality of said inflatable cells, each of the cells being mounted within its own corresponding said adjustable frame, said cells being arranged in rows.
 6. The inflatable solar energy collector according to claim 1, wherein said heat absorbent surface is made from a material selected from the group consisting of black, colored, and heat-absorbing materials.
 7. The inflatable solar energy collector according to claim 6, further comprising a partition extending through said inner bladder and said outer bladder to bisect said inner bladder and said outer bladder into respective halves, said partition having at least one vent extending between the halves of said inner bladder to permit flow of the medium between the halves, and at least one vent extending between the halves of said outer bladder to permit flow of the medium between the halves.
 8. The inflatable solar energy collector according to claim 7, further comprising a plurality of inflatable baffles extending within said inner bladder between said inlet and said outlet, the baffles having a scallop shape to provide a larger surface area for heating the medium.
 9. The inflatable solar energy collector according to claim 8, wherein said plurality of baffles vary in size from small to large from the center of said inner bladder outwards to ensure even medium flow through said baffles.
 10. The inflatable solar energy collector according to claim 6, further comprising a partition extending through said outer bladder to bisect said outer bladder into halves, said inner bladder being disposed completely on one side of said partition, said partition having at least one vent extending between said inner bladder and said outer bladder to permit flow of the medium between said inner bladder and said outer bladder, said partition having at least one vent extending between the halves of said outer bladder to permit flow of the medium between the halves of said outer bladder.
 11. The inflatable solar energy collector according to claim 10, further comprising a separate medium inlet disposed in said outer bladder.
 12. The inflatable solar energy collector according to claim 1, wherein portions of said outer bladder include a reflective surface to concentrate solar rays onto said inner bladder.
 13. The inflatable solar energy collector according to claim 1, wherein portions of said inner bladder without a solar absorbent surface are transparent.
 14. The inflatable solar energy collector according to claim 1, further comprising the medium, the medium being air.
 15. The inflatable solar energy collector according to claim 1, further comprising a thermal energy circulation system connected to said at least one inflatable cell for converting heated medium into usable energy.
 16. The inflatable solar energy collector according to claim 15, wherein said thermal energy circulation system comprises: a plurality of medium flow lines for directing the medium through the system; a pump connected to the flow lines for circulating the medium through the system; a plurality of selectively operable control valves disposed in the flow lines for selectively defining flow paths of the medium; a thermal storage connected to the flow lines for storing excess heat; a heat exchanger connected to the flow lines for transferring heat from the medium to a locale where the heat is used as an energy source; a plurality of temperature sensors disposed at select locations along the flow lines to monitor temperature of the medium therein; a plurality of pressure sensors at select locations along the flow lines to monitor pressure of the medium therein; and a controller connected to the valves and the pump for controlling operations of the control valves and the pump based upon information from the temperature and pressure sensors to insure efficient heat production within predefined parameters.
 17. The inflatable solar energy collector according to claim 16, further comprising at least one bypass valve operable by said controller to relieve excess pressure in said flow lines.
 18. The inflatable solar energy collector according to claim 16, wherein said pump is a variable speed pump.
 19. The inflatable solar energy collector according to claim 1, wherein said at least a portion of the inner inflatable bladder having a solar absorbent surface comprises at least half of the inner inflatable bladder. 